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Posts by Ali123  

Joined: 25 Jan 2008 / Male ♂
Last Post: 28 Jan 2008
Threads: Total: 1 / In This Archive: 1
Posts: Total: 1 / In This Archive: 1
From: Krakow
Speaks Polish?: 30%

Displayed posts: 2
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Ali123   
28 Jan 2008
Life / Poles working abroad - do they integrate well? [4]

My father works in a large industrial company and tells me that there are a handful of Poles employed there. Although he says they are polite if spoken to, he tells me that they do not attempt to mix with anyone and keep to themselves. Over the last few years he said that the faces in this group have changed, yet always the attitudes remained the same..... they do not attempt to socialize outwith there own people.

I have heard other examples of this from friends who have/are working with Poles in the UK.

I know that this is not true for every Pole working abroad, but in general i do believe Polish people have a big struggle when it comes to making friends abroad. I have worked with many foreigners over the years (from non-English speaking countries) Dutch, Danes, French, even Vietnamese (and Poles) and i cannot help but think that, out of all the varying nationalities i have worked with, Polish people have the biggest problem when it comes to integrating and building cross-cultural friendships.

For those who might agree with me, why do you think this is, there social background perhaps?

Anyone who disagrees, please write your thoughts here.
Ali123   
25 Jan 2008
Life / Do Polish people respect other cultures? [96]

However,from what I have seen of the Polish in the UK they are definitely more 'old fashioned' and have better manners than modern British people- I think this is due to Poland being a more traditional,disciplined and less wealthy nation.

I am a UK citizen and have been living in Poland for the last 3 years. I like the Poles, but i find them to be very reserved in their behavoir. They are generally not the kind of people who 'like to let there hair down', and are definate'ly not 'go with the flow' types. Many Poles, more so among the older ranks, seem obsessed with there own behavoir, striving hard to be decent and civil at all times. These types often attempt to inhibit others from behaving free'ly.

Polish people are very judgemental, if you clank your spoon against your cup when stirring your tea, or tip your bowl towards you rather than away from you when finishing your soup, expect to see eyebrows being raised. If you do not wish to be considered as a modern day caveman, then dont stand with your hands in your pockets or talk too loud when your in a shop.

Polish culture is steeped in tradition, its almost impossible for a 1st time visitor not to make a thousand blunders within his first week, but do not fear, the Poles will have you corrected and up to speed on exactly how you should be behving in no time! They are very good that way!

As you may have figured by now, i much prefer the uninhibited freedom of the British culture! Poland needs to let its hair down!